On the New York Stock Exchange, the Dow Jones Industrial Average surpassed 13-thousand during trading on Tuesday for the first time since May 2008, just shortly before the financial crisis erupted.

The Dow surged to 13-thousand-one at around 11 a.m., local time, on Tuesday. The figure remained over 13-thousand for 30 seconds before slipping back down.

Market observers say the figure topped 13-thousand following news that European ministers approved a second bailout for Greece and news of strong business performances.

As a result, the Dow closed almost 15 points higher at 12-thousand-965 on Tuesday, marking an increase of 12-hundredths of a percent from the previous trading day.